COVID-19 Vaccination:

What Men Need to Know When Deciding On Protection This Season

S.J. Giorgianni, PharmD
Senior Science Advisor, Men’s Health Network

WASHINGTON, DC, UNITED STATES, February 10, 2026– With winter weather becoming severe in many areas of the country, that means that the main respiratory infection season is also at hand. While the COVID-19 pandemic is over, the virus is still active across the globe and can pose a risk for respiratory infection, perhaps even a life-threatening one.

Since the outbreak of the pandemic 5 years ago, vaccination has saved millions of lives, prevented many serious infections, and reduced costly, time-consuming hospital treatments for many. The effectiveness of these vaccines is an important consideration, particularly for people over the age of 65, as well as younger people who have underlying health conditions such as obesity, diabetes or asthma, as they consider how to protect themselves this season. Because the virus is continuing to change over time, and our immunity wanes, keeping up with these viral changes using updated vaccines is something to keep in mind. Seasonal vaccinations can help to keep up potentially life-saving protection.

Men’s Health Network’s (MHN) independent science and medical advisors continue to trust that getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is one of the most critical ways to safeguard against severe infections. A case of COVID-19, even a relatively mild case, can disrupt our day-to-day lives and activities, such as work, leisure, and time with family. In some it may also lead to what has become known as “Long-COVID” which can disrupt our lives and feeling of wellness for long periods. A case of COVID-19 can also have significant financial impacts – such as lost income and unexpected medical costs. These are reasons MHN believes that seasonal COVID-19 vaccination should be taken seriously, particularly in the elderly and immunocompromised, can help avoid the most serious infections, hospitalizations and prevent unnecessary death.

MHN acknowledges the importance of personal and informed decision making with a healthcare professional when determining what annual and seasonal vaccinations are right for you. Here is important information to consider and discuss with your provider in making this decision for the upcoming season. This summary also covers key points regarding the new for 2025-26 FDA guidelines and available vaccine options.

New FDA Guidelines

The Centers For Disease Control (CDC) recently updated its guidance to recommend that if you’re age 65 or older or between 6 months and 65 with underlying health issues that put someone at risk for a severe case of COVID-19, you should consider getting vaccinated with the seasonally updated vaccines. If you have never received a COVID-19 vaccine before and you now are a bit older or your medical conditions have changed, getting vaccinated may be appropriate, so talk with your healthcare provider.

This Season Multiple Different Types of Vaccines Are Available To Give You Options

Now, there are multiple types of vaccines that have been deemed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and CDC this year as effective for their intended uses, which gives each person choices about how they wish to seek protection. Talk with your healthcare professional about the option that may be best for you.

Summary Of Available Updated-COVID-19 Vaccines For You To Choose From:

Protein Subunit Vaccines: This technology uses bio-manufactured copies of a piece of the virus (a “recombinant protein”) to encourage your body to generate antibodies and help you fight infection. It also contains a helper ingredient called an adjuvant, which encourages the immune system to respond to vaccination. The adjuvant and the recombinant proteins are soon degraded and cleared from the body after vaccination. Similar technology has been around since the mid-1980s. It is used in many common vaccines, such as influenza and hepatitis B. When updated to circulating variants and given as recommended, protein-subunit vaccines generate protection against severe disease and hospitalization.

mRNA Vaccines For COVID-19: These vaccines use advanced mRNA technology, which was described in the 1960s and first used in marketed vaccines in 2021. mRNA is a short-lived “instruction note” that never enters the cell’s nucleus (where your DNA lives). Your cells read it, which allows them to make the spike protein themselves for a limited period of time; production of spike protein causes the body to make antibodies against the virus. The mRNA and the protein are both soon broken down and eliminated. These vaccines have been successfully used world-wide and since 2021. They have been shown to protect against severe infection and hospitalizations, particularly during the peak of the pandemic and in older and at-risk individuals.

What to consider when making a choice

When deciding with your healthcare provider on a COVID-19 vaccine, we suggest you think about these factors:

– Age: Vaccination is recommended if you are 65 or older or will be 65 during the 2025-2026 season.
– Health Status: If you have health issues, such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes or lung conditions, getting the updated vaccines is advisable. Talk to your healthcare provider to find out what’s best for you.
– Vaccine Type: Choose the vaccine that fits your preferences and health. The non-mRNA technology or the mRNA technology is available for the 2026 season and broaden your range of personal choices. Knowing more about each type can help you feel more confident in your choice.
– Availability: Most COVID-19 vaccines are available in all areas. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions. Getting accurate information and advice is key to making the best decision for your health.

COVID-19 vaccination can help prevent an infection that can put you out of commission for several days to a couple of weeks, minimize your risk for severe disease and long-COVID, and decrease your risk for hospitalization or death.

So, Gentlemen, It’s Up to You

It’s normal to have questions about anything that you put into your body, including vaccines. It’s important to know the facts and talk to your healthcare provider when it comes to your health and the health of your loved ones. We make decisions about how to protect ourselves and our loved ones all the time in the modern world: car and home insurance, seatbelts, helmets and, yes, vaccinations are all things that common sense tells us we need.

By considering your health, the type of vaccine, and what’s available, you can make an informed decision about COVID-19 vaccination.

S.J. Giorgianni, PharmD
Men’s Health Network